The Gold Coast neighborhood is a historic neighborhood within the Chicago Near North Side community. Bounded by North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street, and Clark Street, it is known for its mix of vintage 19th-century buildings, modern high-rises, quiet tree-lined streets, and upscale businesses. It offers residents and visitors a variety of fun activities.
The Gold Coast neighborhood developed after the Great Chicago Fire. Millionaire Potter Palmer moved there in 1882. Once mostly swamp, he transformed the area by building the Potter Mansion on its grounds. Other wealthy Chicagoans followed Potter, moving into the neighborhood, and adding their businesses and properties.
Today, the Gold Coast is known as a luxurious, glamorous, and wealthy place to visit and live, and it is rich with history. This article will review the many reasons you may want to call the Chicago Goal Coast home.
Reasons Why the Gold Coast is a Great Place to Visit or Live
Culture and Entertainment
The Gold Coast is a great place to live or visit thanks to its many cultural and entertainment attractions. You can enjoy a variety of activities including:
Shopping
- Oak Street: Oak Street is a shopaholic’s dream. Its streets are lined with high-end boutiques like Prada, Chanel, and Harry Winston. And when you get hungry, you can enjoy a meal at one of the many upscale restaurants along the way.
- Magnificent Mile: The Magnificent Mile offers over 450 retailers including boutiques, department stores, sporting goods stores, and more. While some are upscale, others offer deep discounts. You are guaranteed to find something that suits your needs.
Nightlife
- Bars and Clubs: There are several bars and clubs in the Gold Coast neighborhood that contribute to its vibrant atmosphere. The Luxbar offers feel-good food and hand-crafted cocktails. McFadden’s features theme nights, drink specials, and large TVs for game days.
- Live Music Venues: If it’s live music you are after, Oak St. has it all. The Zebra Lounge is a historical piano bar featuring live music seven days a week. Original Mothers offers a variety of events including karaoke, live music, and even film festivals.
Gold Coast Dining
Indulging in a meal at one of the Gold Coast’s top restaurants is an experience in itself. From iconic steakhouses to elegant French-Vietnamese cuisine, there’s a diverse range of dining options to choose from in this neighborhood. Here are just a few of the area’s most noteworthy restaurants to consider.
- Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse: This iconic steakhouse has been a Gold Coast staple since 1989. It offers classic American fare and an extensive wine list. The sophisticated atmosphere adds to its sense of glamour.
- Hugo’s Frog Bar and Seafood: Hugo Frog Bar, also a part of the Gibsons Restaurant Group, is a renowned seafood known for its lively atmosphere, exceptional food, and extensive drink menu. Indulge in their signature garlic butter-soaked king crab legs while enjoying the energetic ambiance of this classic Chicago spot. Don’t forget to try one of their specialty cocktails or craft beers while you’re there.
- The Cape Cod Room: Located inside the historic Drake Hotel, the Cape Cod Room serves up fine seafood and cocktails in an atmosphere that exudes old-school elegance.
- Tavern on Rush: Tavern on Rush is an old-school steakhouse that has been a Gold Coast fixture since 1996. It is known for its prime cuts of beef, its fresh seafood, and its lively bar scene.
- Le Colonial: This elegant French-Vietnamese restaurant has been serving Gold Coast diners since 1996. Its menu features classic and contemporary dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and bold favors.
- Nico Osteria: Nico Osteria offers elevated Italian seafood in an elegant yet refined setting.
Art and Architecture
The Chicago Gold Coast is not only known for its luxurious homes and fine dining, but also for its rich art and architectural heritage. From museums to stunning historic mansions and buildings, this neighborhood has it all. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or an architecture lover, you’ll find plenty to explore and admire in the Gold Coast
- Museum of Contemporary Art: The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the largest contemporary art museums. Spend the day experiencing the work of today’s artists and understanding their historical, cultural, and social significance.
- Historic Mansions and Buildings: The Gold Coast is an architecture lover’s dream. Walk through the neighborhood to see it’s many historical buildings and mansions. You may also view the Potter Palmer Mansion that started it all.
Beaches
- Oak Street Beach: Oak Street Beach is a popular summer destination. It offers a spectacular view of the city skyline. Amenities include chair rentals, volleyball rentals, and food and beverage options at Oak Street Café.
- North Avenue Beach: North Avenue Beach offers a variety of fun activities. You can jet-ski or paddle board, bike along the boardwalk, engage in a yoga session, or have a great meal at Castaways Bar and Grill.
Parks and Trails
- Lakefront Trail: Lakefront Trail is a prime location for pedestrians, joggers, and bikers. It features an 18.5-mile combination pedestrian and bike trail.
- Washington Square Park: Chicago’s oldest small park located at the intersection of Walton and Dearborn Streets, featuring a fountain, benches, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Find Your Dream Home in the Heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast
The Chicago Gold Coast is a hub of Chicago activity. It offers historic architecture, exciting nightlife, great shopping and dining, and tons of cultural attractions. It’s easy to see why it’s such a great place to live and visit.
If you want to be in the center of it all, contact me to find out how I can assist you in achieving domestic bliss.